The South African Air Force (SAAF) will this weekend host the first ever Technology Show at Air Force Base Overberg in the Western Cape, aimed at strengthening community engagement and inspiring the next generation of South African aviation and technology professionals.
This event will showcase innovations in aerospace and aviation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Simulation Technologies, the SAAF said.
The SA Air Force added that it supports the national government’s youth development initiative, beyond showcasing technological capabilities that seek to encourage young people particularly those interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to explore careers within aviation, defence and related technical fields.
The programme for Saturday 21 March will begin with a vehicle cavalcade at 12:00 followed by an opening address. Up until 20:00, flight displays will see Hawk Mk 120, Rooivalk and PC-7 Mk II aircraft from the SA Air Force take part. DJI Agras T100 and DJI Matric 300 UAVs form an unmanned component of the display, along with radio control models. The evening will conclude with a drone swarm performing a light display.
Gates open at 11 on Saturday. Tickets are available from Computicket and Quicket.
A special open day for learners on Friday 20 March will bring approximately 1 000 school pupils from across the Overberg, Overstrand, Cape Winelands and Breede River Valley to Air Force Base Overberg. The focus will be on encouraging interest in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and exposing young people to career opportunities in aviation and robotics.
Air Force Base Overberg is the host of the 525 Squadron and the Test Flight and Development Centre (TFDC). It is extensively used for testing aircraft and airborne systems – it is co-located with the Denel Overberg Test Range.
Many aerospace organisations have made use of the facilities at AFB Overberg including BAE Systems, Saab, Thales, Eurocopter, Airbus, Pilatus, Marshall Aerospace, Agusta, National Test Pilot School, Epner, and Empire Test Pilot School. International military clients include the Royal Air Force, the German Luftwaffe, the Singapore Air Force, the Spanish Air Force, the Turkish Air Force and The Italian Air Force. Milkor is currently testing its Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle at the base.
